A burning passion for art

Milla Lamprecht is a 17-year-old girl who has had an excellent eye for visual details since a young age, according to her father.

She feels that she has endless room left to expand her range.

"I have an introverted and insecure personality, and I always feel the need to make the people around me laugh."

A few years ago, she was diagnosed with depression, and expressing herself in visual form has always been her way of communicating.

"When I explain something, it is always in the form of a picture."

Dancing, drawing, and writing have helped her voice the thoughts she struggles to utter aloud.

Discovery

Milla participated in many sports, but not a single one seemed to fit her.

Then, in grade five, she participated in dance and was hooked. "I have seven years of dance experience in hip hop and contemporary dance and two years of experience in jazz."

She also has a burning passion for art. "I have been participating in art classes for the past ten years at Helga Mertens. My personal favourite art mediums are pencil, charcoal, watercolour, and soft pastel."

She joined Dance Domain Namibia at the beginning of the year. Though it has only been a short while since she joined the studio, she has already formed friendships with the teachers and her fellow dancers.

Dancing competition

When asked about memorable competitions, she named the prestigious international ‘Rumba in the Jungle’ event hosted at Sun City, South Africa, between 22 and 25 September this year.

"I saw people of all ages and sizes dance their hearts out. It inspired me to start breaking out of my shell when I am dancing."

Milla says she has never been a fan of dancing solo as she is not comfortable when attention is on her alone, but seeing all those people putting themselves out there dancing their hearts out showed her how fun it is to dance alone and express the song with your body.

Sun City made her realise the different ways people perceive and express choreography.

Some move smoothly, whilst others express the same moves more sharply. It showed her that even though people are taught the same dance routine, each person interprets the dance in their own style.

"It showed me that all you need to dance well is soul and emotion; use it as fuel to bring out the best in you."

Dance routine

She does not have a specific routine to prepare herself for a competition.

"Yes, I occasionally go through the choreography, but I usually leave the 100% effort for when I go on the stage.



"As they say: ‘Leave the best for last.’"

She thrives on the adrenaline she gets before and during competition.

When learning a dance routine, Milla first marks the moves and then learns the dance’s pattern – which move follows after the other.

Afterwards, she tries to do the routine faster and then at the music's pace.

Lastly, I focus on what moves I should sharpen more, which should be done more clearly, what little details I can add, and how to smoothen the flow from moving one move to another."

Milla is passionate about dance.

"Humans are meant to be creative. It is shown through little kids drawing, even when they were never taught how to."

Dance gives her the freedom to express her creativity.

"It's an art form that's complex to do and to watch. It uses skill and dedication, which challenges the brain. "Dancing is fun and will always be a way I will express my emotions."

National colours

Twenty-three students from the Dance Domain Namibia were awarded Namibian national colours and competed against 12 countries at the ‘Rumba in the Jungle’ event.

To qualify for national colours, dancers must take part in an accredited competition and win gold or be the overall winner of their section.

Afterwards, they must represent their country at an international level to be awarded national colours.

The 'Rumble in the Jungle' event took place over seven days. Milla received third place for a group dance of four, third place for a duet, gold for a group dance of four, and silver for another duet.

"Though it had its bumps, tiring nights and days, it was a fun experience to be with my friends and dance with them. It was truly an experience worth having."

Circle of support

Her parents are her support system. The effort and sacrifices they made to ensure she could take part in the Sun City experience, dance classes, and arts are something she is truly grateful for.

"A support system makes you feel like someone always has your back, supports you, and helps you through tough times."

Her friends also offer support, always cheering her on for her achievements, even when she does not see the value of her achievements.

"My main hope is to do my best and give them results that will make them proud. I hope to give back to them by making them proud."